Mischa Barton sectioned

Former 'O.C.' Actress Mischa Barton has reportedly been placed under involuntary psychiatric hold in Los Angeles

Mischa Barton has been sectioned.

The former 'O.C.' actress was taken to Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center by police on Wednesday (15.07.09), after being placed under a 5150 hold - a piece of US legislation which means she poses a danger to herself or others.

Website 'Access Hollywood' reports: "A source close to the situation claimed that Barton was placed under Section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code by police and transported to Cedars-Sinai."

The code states people can be forcibly held if they are deemed a danger to themselves or others, are gravely disabled or have a mental disorder. Under its terms, people can be held for up to 72 hours.

It is the piece of legislation which was used to hold Britney Spears after she suffered a breakdown in 2008.

Mischa's family are said to be deeply concerned about her and are in constant contact with the hospital.

A source explained: "Her family had grown increasingly distressed over her erratic behaviour over the past several weeks.

"Mischa had a very difficult time when she first arrived at Cedars, but now she is doing a little bit better."

Los Angeles police have not commented on the claims, but are unable to release details of people who are detained under the code.

Mischa's representative wouldn't confirm or deny the reports, only saying: "Mischa has been hospitalised per the recommendation of her doctor and is resting in the hospital."

It was revealed on Thursday (16.07.09) the 23-year-old actress - who was due to attend the premiere for her new movie 'Homecoming' last night - had been escorted from her home by police who were helping her with a "medical issue" on Wednesday.

Officer April Harding of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has since said: "She has not been detained, she wasn't arrested. There were no other individuals involved. We went to Mischa Barton's home, for a medical issue that we are not at liberty to discuss. We were dispatched to her home and assisted her with her medical issue."